Local ladies raise awareness, funds for Huntington’s disease

On March 14, Amber Frampton and Krissy Putansu will welcome the community to their annual Spotlight on a Cure talent show. The sixth annual show serves as a fundraiser for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. Tickets to the show are $20 in advance.

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PONTIAC — Amber Frampton and Krissy Putansu are welcoming the community to enjoy a night of talent at the Lafayette Grand Ballroom in Pontiac.

On March 14, the ladies will host their annual Spotlight on a Cure talent show. The show — now in its sixth year — serves as a fundraiser for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, which aims to promote awareness, research, programs and support for those with the disease and their families.

“We can’t believe we are going on our sixth year. I honestly feel so lucky to give people an outlet for their talent and at the same time give my friend, her family and all the people out there with Huntington’s this special tribute,” said Frampton, of Shelby Township.

Huntington’s disease is an inherited brain disorder that results in the progressive loss of both mental faculties and physical control. It is characterized by jerky movements and affects people physically, mentally and cognitively. Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 30 and 50, and worsen over a 10-25 year period.

Approximately 30,000 Americans suffer from HD, according to the HDSA, but the devastating effects of the disease touch many more. Since 1999, the HDSA has committed more than $18 million to fund research with the goal of finding treatments to slow the effects of Huntington’s disease.

Putansu’s mother suffers from the degenerative disease, and the women founded the event to raise awareness and money to fund research to hopefully one day find a cure. Putansu, of Rochester Hills, also serves as the elected president of the Michigan chapter of the HDSA.

Spotlight for a Cure, they said, will feature a variety of amateur and professional live entertainment, including belly dancers, singers and impersonators, to name a few.

“Spotlight on a Cure is the only talent show in metro Detroit to raise money for Huntington’s disease. It’s is a full night of local entertainers doing what they do best. This show is filled with professional entertainers, as well as amateurs competing for acknowledgement and exposure. We have several acts that have been with us since the beginning,” Putansu said.

Since its inaugural year, the event has raised close to $25,000, and they’re hoping to reel in $5,000 with this year’s show.

“We always just hope it will get bigger and raise more money each year — even if it’s just $2 more — we just keep trying and growing,” Frampton said. “And so far, that’s how it’s been working out.”

In addition to the live acts, the event will include hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, raffles and a cupcake sale, and HD T-shirts will be available for purchase.

“It’s really a great night out for only $20, and you’re supporting a charity,” Frampton said. “Where else can you be entertained and help out for such a great cause?”

Tickets for the show are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, and a table for eight is available for $130.